Best moments: Super Bowl commercials
Man, what a bummer of a Super Bowl. Oh, I don’t mean the game. The game itself was amazing and as entertaining as one could ask for. I’m talking about the commercials. What happened this year? The Super Bowl is…
Author: Myong Choi
‘The Loft’ will keep you guessing
Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a cheesy, sleazy, vapid movie. Especially after the winter season was filled with highbrow artsy films desperate for Oscar recognition, it can feel really gratifying to turn your brain off and indulge in…
Oscar noms 2015: Surprises and snubs
The nominees for this year’s Academy Awards were announced early this morning and as usual, the Academy generated lots of buzz with its picks. My initial reaction to the nominations was one of disappointment. Not one acting nomination went to…
Top 10 films of 2014
I initially thought that 2014 was a pretty mediocre year as far as films go, but looking back at the 70+ films I watched this year, there were a lot of films that I really enjoyed and will definitely be…
My Korean parents react to ‘The Interview’
With all the hoopla surrounding the release of the comedy, “The Interview,” there was no way I wasn’t going to watch the film when it was finally released online a few days ago. But instead of giving you my review,…
Don’t go ‘Into the Woods’
Two musicals in two weeks? What is Hollywood trying to do to American film audiences? Culture us? Bah humbug! I’m actually a big fan of musicals, but on the live stage where they belong. Only a small handful of popular…
This “Annie” has no heart, no point
You know all of those film purists who rage against Hollywood’s trend of remaking films from the past? Movies like “Annie” make their case that much stronger. It’s not that it’s a terrible film. It’s just a pointless one. I’m…
Why “The Interview” shouldn’t be pulled
Several weeks ago cyber hackers infiltrated the computers at Sony Pictures and publicly released private emails, documents and even full-length movies such as the upcoming release, “Annie.” At first the leaked documents were fluff – emails about celebrity salaries, closed-door…
No surprise Ben Jay is out
Photo from The Official Ben Jay Twitter (@HawaiiManoaAD) University of Hawaii Athletic Director Ben Jay resigned yesterday after serving just a little shy of two years in the position. Citing personal reasons, he will remain as AD until June 30,…
Who are the early Oscar contenders?
The winter season is upon us and that means movie studios will be releasing their hopefuls for all the upcoming awards, most notably the Oscars. Here are my reviews of the first batch of these films, along with prediction about…
Quick chat: Gabriel Iglesias
Funnyman Gabriel Iglesias brings his electric, no-boundaries show to Blaisdell Arena this weekend, performing on Friday and Saturday nights. Iglesias is one of the country’s top stand-up comedians, performing at sold-out concerts across the United States and internationally. He also…
Talking story with ‘Lava’s’ creators
“Lava’s” writer and director James Ford Murphy (far right), with HIFF’s Anderson Le, producer Andrea Warren and Napua Greig. Hawaii film fans were fortunate to get a sneak peek last week of the new Pixar-animated short film “Lava,” at the…
HIFF Review Roundup
The Hawaii International Film Festival kicks off Thursday, Oct. 30 and runs through Nov. 9 on Oahu and from Nov. 13-16 on Hawaii Island and Kauai. Once again, there’s a great lineup of films in all genres. If you didn’t…
Movies I Miss: Gangster films
Today’s Hollywood is all about franchise films, comic book heroes, sequels and reboots. They’re fun to watch, but I miss the variety of films that I grew up watching. “Movies I Miss” will be blog series where I reminisce about…
My must-see TV this fall
The Fall TV season is (almost) in full swing, and there are many new shows hoping to draw your prime-time viewership. Here are reviews of the series and season premieres I’m planning to schedule some sit-on-my-butt-while-I-snack-and-drink time for. Mondays “Gotham”…
HIFF 2014: The lineup
Fall is right around the corner, and for me, that means football, festivities and best of all, films. I always look forward to the Hawaii International Film Festival, and once again, HIFF, which runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 9…
Movies I Miss: Buddy cop films
Today’s Hollywood is all about franchise films, comic book heroes, sequels and reboots. They’re fun to watch, but I miss the variety of films that I grew up watching. “Movies I Miss” will be blog series where I reminisce about…
Vegas Vacation: Restos and recs
After entertainment, food is the second reason I love to travel to Vegas. With visitors from around the globe, Vegas has to provide a wide variety of cuisine. So with all those great restaurants to choose from, I like to…
Vegas Vacation: The hotel and shows
I had not gone on vacation for two years and was itching for some fun, so where did I decide to go? Vegas, baby! I’ve been to Sin City about a dozen times, but Vegas is constantly evolving, so each time…
No one’s badder than ‘The Equalizer’
If you thought Denzel Washington was a bad ass before, wait until you see him in “The Equalizer.” Based on a popular TV show from the ‘80s (which I’ve never seen), Washington plays Robert McCall, a man who wishes to…
Enough with the ice bucket challenge, or at least do it right
I don’t know how it started, and I don’t really care. But what may have started out as a fun way to raise funds and awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) aka Lou Gehrig’s disease has just turned into yet…
‘Let’s Be Cops’ gets points for trying
When I first saw the trailer for the new comedy, “Let’s Be Cops” opening this week, I originally thought it was a very promising premise with the potential for lots of laughs. Two normal guys passing themselves off as policemen?…
RIP Robin Williams
Celebrities pass away all the time. Usually, we hear the news, post about it on social media, express some sorrow about it, then get back to our life routines. But when I heard about the death of Robin Williams from…
‘Into the Storm’ won’t blow you away
Is it wrong to think that “Into the Storm,” the new movie about tornadoes could use a good dose of sharks? Coming almost 20 years after the blockbuster tornado movie, “Twister,” “Into the Storm” has a lot to live up…
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ rocks!
Back in April of this year I proclaimed “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” to be the best Marvel film to date. Well, that was a really short run. “Guardians of the Galaxy” is easily the most fun I’ve had in…
Wave bye to sign waving
“Beep beep!” “Alright! That’s another vote for my candidate!” I can only assume that it’s this kind of outdated thinking that drives political candidates and their supporters to clutter up sidewalks and intersections all over the island during election season.…
‘Sex Tape’ fails to stimulate
Forgive me if I sound like a pervert but if you’re going to make a Rated R comedy called “Sex Tape,” I’m going to expect some shocking, over-the-top hilarious hijinx. “Sex Tape” promises lots of raunch, but doesn’t deliver any…
Guide to the Korean Festival
Photo courtesy of Haein ParkThe 13th The annual Korean Festival takes place this Saturday at Magic Island, a change from its usual Kapiolani Park location. Presented by the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce, admission is free to this hugely popular…
‘Snowpiercer’ is one hell of a ride
I’m not really a fan of science fiction in general. And post-apocalyptic type films normally don’t interest me too much. But damn if I didn’t enjoy the hell out of “Snowpiercer.” Set in the near future, Earth has suffered through…
‘Tammy’ falls flat
Why does Melissa McCarthy hate herself so much? There’s no doubt after her star-making supporting role in “Bridesmaids” that she definitely has the comic talent to be a hilarious leading lady, but why does she make her characters so difficult…
My War Against Weight – Episode 5: The Final Outcome
Goal: Lose 10 pounds in 5 weeksWeight Lost Week 5: 2.8 poundsTotal Weight Lost: 8.5 poundsMy personal challenge is now over and yes, and although I fell a bit short of my goal of losing 10 pounds, I can’t say…
‘Jersey Boys’ lacks sparkle
Clint Eastwood has not aged well. But I don’t mean physically. I’m sure the 84-year-old actor and director is still as strapping as he was back in his heyday in the ’70s. But his eye for direction has definitely lost…
My War Against Weight – Episode 4: Roadblocks to Wellness
Excuses. We’ve all used them. I’m too tired to work out. I don’t have time. Eating healthy is expensive. Diet starts tomorrow. It is so easy to push off what’s perceived to be a difficult task to the next day,…
‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ Review
Whenever I watch a sequel to a film that I haven’t seen, my main criteria for review is if it makes me want to go and watch the original film after watching the sequel. Not having watched the original “How…
My War Against Weight – Episode 3: Let’s Get Physical!
Last week I stressed how important diet was for one’s state of wellness, but I truly believe that physical activity is critical as well. I’ve seen many people who are thin who could not keep up with a heavyweight like…
‘The Fault in our Stars’ review
I don’t normally write reviews for films that have already opened but after seeing “The Fault in Our Stars” this past weekend I felt the need to share my thoughts. By now, most have seen the trailer and know that…
My War Against Weight – Episode 2: Food = Fuel
We’re all so obsessed with working out. Gotta hit the gym. Gotta go running. Gotta go do yoga/pilates/Zumba. But what I’ve learned recently is that it’s not so much about physical activity, but diet. Don’t get me wrong, physical activity…
My War Against Weight – Episode 1: Why?
Ask an overweight person why they want to lose weight and the answers would seem pretty obvious — to be healthier, look better, improve their social life. So which is it for me? All of the above, of course.My primary…
Something new: Aloha Cones
Just when you thought Honolulu’s poke market couldn’t get any more saturated, along comes Aloha Cones. Located in the humble pink building on Kinau Street between Beretania and the H-1 off-ramp, Aloha Cones specializes in poke bowls, sushi bowls and…
‘Fresh off the Boat’ Preview
ABC will soon launch a new sitcom called “Fresh off the Boat,” and already Asian-Americans are weighing in with their opinions. Some are proud of the show. Others are offended. Most are just hoping it doesn’t embarrass us. Why such…
‘Blended’ film review
I’m borrowing a bit from my last review of an Adam Sandler movie because the premise still holds true. The following conversation between Adam Sandler and the movie studio may or may not have happened. Sandler: Hey it’s time for…
My War Against Weight – Episode 0
I’ve been a fatty my whole life.Sure, there have been different degrees of fatness over the years, but I’ve always been on the wrong side of the BMI scale. I’ve lost weight, gained it back and lost it again. The…
Fed up with foodies!
I’m out.It was fun while it lasted, but I can’t lump myself in with those people any more. It’s not like I was invited to join them anyway. Actually, nobody is. It’s just one of those groups you join if…
‘Million Dollar Arm’ Review
Disney certainly has its sports film recipe down. Take one charismatic leading man who needs a life lesson, blend with some likable underdogs, add in equal parts comedy, romance and heart and voila, you have an adequately serviceable, feel-good Disney…
Summer movie preview
For most, summer means a break from school, hitting the beaches or going on a trip. For me, it’s all about watching some kick-ass movies. The summer movie season is when studios release their blockbuster flicks where bigger is always…
Review: ‘Le Week-End’
An old British married couple travels to Paris in an attempt to keep the spark in their relationship. She bitches and moans about every little detail from the hotel room to which restaurant to eat at. He’s left blue balled…
HIFF Spring Showcase Preview
The Hawaii International Spring Showcase begins today, and as usual, HIFF is offering a great mix of international cinema with an emphasis on Asian films. Most of the films will be shown at Dole Cannery theaters, but there also will…
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” review
Hey DC, why don’t you come on over and take some notes from the Marvel films? Because this is how it’s done. Growing up on comic books, you were either a Marvel or DC guy. Sure, it was possible to…
“How I Met Your Mother” finale review
Another long-running TV show ends, and again fans are left disappointed. Can you say “major disappointment?” (of course, along with Ted and Robin hand salute). The popular CBS TV sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” ended its nine-season run this…
My Oscar Predictions
Need some help filling out your office pool for the Oscars this Sunday? Does anyone even still do office pools for the Oscars? Well, look no further because I present my predictions for the eight major categories. As usual, Oscar’s…
